Discovering the Hidden Gems of Northern and Central West Chios

Chios Island is a delightful day-trip destination just a 30-minute ferry ride from Çeşme. Northern and Central West Chios is one of the best spots in Island. If you’re based in Izmir or nearby, we highly recommend Chios for a weekend getaway. With its delicious Mediterranean cuisine, stunning beaches, and easy accessibility, Chios holds a special place in our hearts.

How to Get Around Chios Island?

When planning your trip to Chios, renting a car before you arrive is a good idea. While the island is small, you’ll need a vehicle to explore it fully. There are many car rental companies in the port area, but we strongly advise reserving a car in advance due to high demand from the many tourists visiting daily. Alternatively, you can bring your own car via ferry services.

Where to Go in Chios?

For this travel guide, we are focusing on the lesser-known Northern and Central West parts of Chios. This region is quieter and perfect for those seeking a peaceful getaway, especially during these times when social distancing is crucial. Check out our Safe Travel During Corona guide for more tips on traveling safely.

Northern and Central West Chios

On the map, you can see the areas we’ll cover in our Chios travel guide. This part of the island offers historical sites and beautiful beaches, making it ideal for both history enthusiasts and beach lovers.

Northern Beaches of Chios

Chios is renowned for its exquisite beaches. In the northern part of the island, you can find four unique beaches that offer tranquility and beauty.

• Daskalopetra Beach
  • Located north of the Chios town center, Daskalopetra Beach is one of the closest beaches. It’s covered with white pebbles, providing a peaceful atmosphere. There are facilities available, including changing rooms and showers.

• Glari Beach
  • Known for its crystal-clear waters, Glari Beach is one of the best on the island. It’s lively, with music and a small facility offering sandwiches and drinks at reasonable prices, especially compared to Çeşme.

• Nagos Beach
  • Popular among locals, Nagos Beach offers a serene and enjoyable experience. A small café provides snacks and drinks, and the sea is incredibly inviting.

• Giosonas Beach
  • Located at the northernmost part of the island, Giosonas Beach is favored by locals. It’s covered with colorful stones and has a beach bar where you can relax with a drink. The water is cool, and there are shower facilities available.

Must-See Places in Northern and Central West Chios

For those who prefer a quieter and more relaxed holiday, the Northern and Central West parts of Chios are ideal. Here are some of the highlights:

Windmills

• About 1.5 km north of the Chios port, the windmills are no longer in use but have become a popular tourist spot. They were historically significant for leather processing.

Daskalopetra (Homer’s Teaching Stone)

• Believed to be the birthplace of Homer, this stone is where he supposedly recited his epic tales, the Iliad and the Odyssey.

Lagada

• A charming village known for its fishing families. Lagada offers delightful tavernas, delicious meals, and a lively atmosphere.

Nea Moni Monastery

• The Nea Moni Monastery, established in the 11th century and dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It covers an area of 17,000 m². It has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Within the monastery, you will find the main sanctuary, two smaller churches, the monks’ dining table, hermit cells and cisterns.
• Emperor Monomachos made notable donations of goods and income to the monastery, which eventually became one of the most renowned and wealthy monasteries in the Aegean.
• The monastery opened to visitors in 1992.
• One of its most intriguing features is the Timios Stavros Shrine, where the bones of the victims of the Chios Massacre are preserved.

Avgonima

• A small medieval village situated among pine trees, offering stunning sunset views.

Anavatos

• Anavatos is one of the most visited spots on Chios Island. This village, dating back to the 1300s, is a typical Byzantine village. Its location and layout were entirely designed for defense. During that period, the biggest threat to Chios Island was pirate attacks, and the village served as a shield against these invasions.
• Another significant aspect of Anavatos is its role in the Chios Massacre of 1822. The people of Chios enjoyed a comfortable life with low taxes paid to the Ottoman Empire, thriving in maritime trade and mastic production. However, when Greek sailors from Samos arrived and incited the islanders to revolt, causing harm to the local Turks and destroying mosques, the Ottoman Empire intervened in an unprecedented manner.
• As a result of this intervention, the population of Chios, which was around 100,000, was reduced to 2,000. Nearly 23,000 people were executed, and around 50,000 were exiled to İzmir and North Africa. Approximately 2,000 of the island’s wealthy residents were spared to maintain the mastic trade.
• This tragic event has faded over time. However, you can see Eugène Delacroix’s painting “The Massacre at Chios,” created in 1824, at the Louvre Museum.

These locations in the Northern and Central West parts of Chios offer a unique blend of history and natural beauty. Thus, making them a perfect escape for those seeking a serene and culturally enriching experience.

Good Voyage!